TikTok Enhances Teen Privacy: Limits Notifications & More

TikTok Enhances Minor Safety Measures Amidst Regulatory Pressure

TikTok is implementing enhanced protective measures for younger users, responding to growing regulatory concerns. The platform will introduce a series of product modifications designed to provide a more secure, private, and less addictive experience for teenagers aged 13 to 17.

New Privacy and Safety Features

These updates from TikTok mirror similar initiatives recently announced by other major tech companies, including Google, YouTube, and Instagram, all focused on teen user safety.

The forthcoming changes will address several key areas, including in-app messaging functionality, the public visibility of user-generated videos, default video download settings, and the utilization of push notifications.

This builds upon earlier adjustments to privacy settings and defaults for users under 18, which TikTok initially introduced in January. Those changes established stricter guidelines for users aged 13 to 15, alongside more flexible settings for those between 16 and 17, concerning default account types, commenting privileges, and access to interactive features like Stitch and Duet.

Now, new users aged 16 and 17 will find their Direct Message settings automatically set to “No One.” Existing users will be prompted to review and confirm their messaging preferences upon their next use of the feature.

While the app will not outright block teens from using Direct Messages, it will necessitate a deliberate and conscious choice on their part to activate them.

When a user under 16 publishes their first video, a pop-up will appear, prompting them to select their desired audience: followers, friends only, or only themselves. The option to share content with “Everyone” will be disabled.

Previously, TikTok limited the discoverability of accounts belonging to users under 16, restricting content visibility to approved followers. Now, the platform is actively encouraging teens to proactively determine the level of public access they desire for their content, requiring a decision before video publication.

TikTok will also disable Duet and Stitch features for users under 16, a measure that was initially implemented as part of the privacy updates rolled out in January.

Users aged 16 to 17 will be asked to confirm whether their videos can be downloaded by others. While downloads won’t be prohibited, a prompt will appear, reminding them that downloaded content could be shared on other platforms. Downloads remain disabled for users aged 13 to 15.

Limiting Push Notifications

Perhaps the most noteworthy change is the implementation of push notification limits. This feature distinguishes TikTok from platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Teens aged 13 to 15 will not receive any push notifications after 9 PM, while those aged 16 to 17 will not receive notifications after 10 PM. Notifications will resume the following morning at 8 AM.

This decision reflects TikTok’s global perspective and the influence of its parent company’s Chinese origins. China is currently undergoing a significant tech regulation period, addressing issues such as antitrust practices, data security, business models, and societal norms, including the potential addictiveness of video games.

TikTok has been identified as a highly engaging social media application, leveraging advanced personalization, interactive design, and psychological techniques to stimulate user engagement. The company already incorporates “take a break” videos into the main feed, acknowledging the potential for excessive scrolling. Limiting notifications is a further recognition of the app’s capacity to foster negative digital habits, particularly among younger users.

By restricting notifications during specific hours, TikTok aims to demonstrate proactive measures to address these concerns to potential regulators.

Broader Industry Trends and Legislation

These changes occur within a broader industry shift towards prioritizing the well-being of younger users, driven by growing concerns regarding screen time, addiction, online abuse, data privacy, and more.

In the United States, Congress is urging companies to enhance protections for younger users against the potential harms of technology.

A key legislative proposal is an update to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The Protecting the Information of our Vulnerable Children and Youth Act would extend COPPA’s coverage to include teens under 18 and restrict targeted advertising, among other provisions.

Consequently, tech companies are revising their products to enhance teen privacy and strengthen data protection measures.

TikTok was an early adopter of teen protection measures, following a multimillion-dollar fine from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for previous violations of children’s privacy laws. In addition to the earlier privacy changes and “take a break” reminders, TikTok pioneered the Family Pairing feature, integrating parental controls directly into the app. The company also provides educational safety videos and parental guides, and has established the TikTok Content Advisory Council, consulting with external experts on policy development.

“Our priority is to ensure teens on TikTok have a safe and age-appropriate experience as they create and share on our platform,” stated Tracy Elizabeth, TikTok’s Global Minor Safety Policy Lead. “This announcement builds on our industry-leading efforts to make all accounts under 16 private by default, age-restrict features like direct messaging, and empower parents with Family Pairing.”

TikTok has indicated that these features will be rolled out globally over time, though a specific timeline has not been provided.